State playoff predictions: Expect more metro ATL domination
Metro Atlanta teams won all 10 state basketball championships in 2010. Don’t expect another sweep, but most of the champions in this year’s tournament – which begins Friday – should be from the metro area again.
Below are my predictions for the semifinals and the eventual champion.
Milton (AAAAA), Miller Grove (AAAA), Columbia (AAA) and Greater Atlanta Christian (AA) are clear favorites in the boys draws, although SWD’s win over Miller Grove in the 6-AAAA final opens the door in AAAA. The hardest to pick in Class A, where defending champion Wesleyan, runner-up Whitefield Academy, No. 1-ranked Wilkinson County and No. 2 Greenville are top contenders along with my pick, Wilcox County, led by Nick Marshall.
With the girls, Wesleyan (A) is a virtual lock.
The others are much harder to establish a team to beat. Norcross is the defending champion but had to avenge two losses to North Gwinnett to win Region 7-AAAAA.
In AAA, Columbia is No. 1 but lost to St. Pius in its region final.
In AA, a Buford-Kendrick final would be pretty special.
The AAAA girls draw is the most unpredictable. With No. 1 Chamblee falling in the region, it’s open to many contenders.
BOYS
AAAAA: Harrison vs. Norcross, McEachern vs. Milton
Winner – Milton
AAAA: Jonesboro vs. Miller Grove, Fayette County vs. SW DeKalb
Winner – Miller Grove
AAA: Eagle’s Landing vs. Columbia, Monroe vs. Carrollton
Winner – Columbia
AA: Laney vs. South Atlanta, Thomasville vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
Winner – Greater Atlanta Christian
A: Wilcox County vs. Wilkinson County, Terrell County vs. Whitefield Academy
Winner – Wilcox County
GIRLS
AAAAA: Campbell vs. Norcross, Westlake vs. North Gwinnett
Winner – Norcross
AAAA: Forest Park vs. Douglas County, Fayette County vs. Clarke Central
Winner – Forest Park
AAA: Westover vs. St. Pius, Washington County vs. Columbia
Winner – Columbia
AA: Vidalia vs. Kendrick, Laney vs. Buford
Winner – Buford
A: Savannah Christian vs. Wesleyan, Bryan County vs. St. Francis
Winner – Wesleyan
GHSA PLAYOFF BRACKETS
Boys: AAAAA | AAAA | AAA | AA | A – Prelims
Girls: AAAAA | AAAA | AAA | AA | A
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214 comments Add your comment
Panther Paw
February 25th, 2011
11:36 am
SportsFan31313 – this is all in good fun……I wish BI well in there 5-AAAAA journey.
Eagle Fan 4life
February 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
Look for the Columbia Eagles Girls and Boys to repeat this year!!!
MGHS Fan
February 25th, 2011
1:03 pm
It would be nice to see the WOLVERINES do the same.
I’ll keep my fingers cross!!!!
SportsFan31313
February 25th, 2011
1:25 pm
Panther Paw,
I know it is…
I wish SWD well too and the other North Georgia Metro Teams….. 
SportsFan31313
February 25th, 2011
1:26 pm
Round 1 Starts Tonight Good Luck ALL………
SportsFan31313
February 25th, 2011
1:27 pm
And “EYE OF THE TIGER” !!!!!
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
7:22 pm
The quest for a title begins………
Anyone at the games, please post updates as the night progresses. Score Atlanta is a little slow.
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
7:25 pm
There were 61 games scheduled for 6:00 PM in the girls bracket, there should be some scores out there.
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
7:43 pm
Girls early returns:
Calvary 67-18
Hillgrove 73-50
Etowah 44-43
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
7:58 pm
Girls update winners:
Thomasville 76-60
Chestatee 36-29
Mays 48-43
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:08 pm
Girls:
Seminole Co. 48-46
Weslyan 77-32
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:18 pm
Girls:
Northview 84-64
Forest Park 79-43
Bryon Co. 67-45
Charlton Co. 66-59
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:24 pm
More Girls:
Crisp Co 67-65
Cartersville 78-74
Carrolton 62-57
Turner Co. 37-34
Beach 50-45
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:34 pm
Girls:
McEachern 66-53
Roswell 46-33
Alcovy 64-60
Laney 72-22
Pace Academy 60-54
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:47 pm
Girls:
Clarke Central 78-43
Creekview 59-25
St. Pius 52-44
Buford 55-41
Dublin 46-33
McIntosh 55-45
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
8:58 pm
North Gwinnet 70-44
Warner Robins 65-39
Lovett 53-51
Bradwell Institute 41-39
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
9:34 pm
Milton 46-36
Mill Creek 64-46
GAC 60-42
Troup 51-45
Lovett 53-51
Morgan Co. 59-51
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
10:06 pm
BOYS;
MILLER GROVE 101-52
COLUMBIA 91-38
CARROLTON 52-46
rudbuck
February 25th, 2011
10:14 pm
FINAL BOYS GAME FOR TONITE
BAINBRIDGE 78-47
gomdawg
February 26th, 2011
5:49 am
Miller Grove look out the Bearcats are coming.
SportsFan31313
February 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
RudBuck,
The Bradwell Institute / Lowndes game was a tough one. It was a defensive game between the two. Bradwell Institute was truly tested last night with Region 1-AAAAA Lowndes. The Road For The Title will only get tougher from here. I do believe that the Competition is tougher in North Georgia after watching this game and watching North Georgia Teams in the early season. However; I still believe that the No. 1 Bradwell Institute will be at the Gwinette Center this year.
Real Talk
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
@Raider Fan,
I could care less about girls bball but your Lady Raiders couldn’t even make it out the 1st Round huh? smh
SportsFan31313
February 26th, 2011
3:12 pm
RudBuck,
BRADWELL INSTITUTE 41, LOWNDES COUNTY 39
“Freshman point guard Shaquoia Crockett drove the lane, and sank a floater with about 6 seconds left to break a tie, and lift top-ranked Bradwell to victory in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAA tournament. The Tigers (29-0) will host McEachern of Powder Springs on Tuesday, tentatively at 6 p.m., in the second round. Friday’s game was tied at 23 at halftime, with Bradwell leading by one point after three quarters before Lowndes (21-8) tied the game at 39. Senior guard Mariah Maternik led Bradwell with 19 points”.
With That being Said, Who Do You See In The Final Four In Class AAAAA Ladies Basketball?
rudbuck
February 26th, 2011
5:01 pm
Semi-Final: Campbell, Bradwell Institute, Norcross, North Gwinnett
Final: Norcross, North Gwinnett
Winner: Norcross
McEachern toughest game in BI bracket, get through that one and should beat whomever comes from bottom draw of bracket.
CENTER
February 26th, 2011
5:40 pm
Panther Pride I totally agree with you regarding the cheating. My nephew plays AAU basketball with several MGHS guys and I can beat a million dollars that 4 of them are in school out of area. It is what it is. I don’t think it would be place to report this to GHSA, because I’m not a sports investigator, I just know what I know. The fact of the matter is, this has become a parent/coach show. If that’s what they have to do to win, then go for it!! It happens at every level of sports. I’m not being negative or mean it is what it is. At the end of the day it’s about the children. I say good luck to all of the children. Let’s make sure we are this passionate about their academics. Now this is where I boast, my nephew received a 4-year ride to LSU, not basketball, but academics! I wish all your children the best in the state tournament. Peace and blessings.
MGHS
February 26th, 2011
6:17 pm
GOD BLESS THE HATERS.
Center I agree about academics.
Keep in mind colleges are no longer just looking at talent at least not the colleges that are looking at MG players!! So academically MG players are well deserved of their success.
Zone3canE
February 26th, 2011
6:18 pm
South Atlanta by 30 Over Hart Co final.
Mike
February 26th, 2011
7:38 pm
Rockdale over chamblee at halftime 42-26!!
Tommy
February 26th, 2011
7:44 pm
watch out for the MODEL LADY BLUE DEVILS…IN AA…WHO EVER DOES THE PLAYERS TO WATCH SHOULD ADD ABBY MONTEITH FROM MODEL TO THIS LIST…SHE IS AVERAGING A DOUBLE DOUBLE…AND BEKAH SAPP THE POINT GUARD FROM MODEL…
Panther Pride
February 26th, 2011
9:05 pm
Like I said earlier, Langston Hughes shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sorry to mess up your prediction bit we came to play.
rudbuck
February 26th, 2011
10:14 pm
Hey Todd, let Michael Carvell the “Heritage/SWD” headline is reading wrong. Heritage did not upset SWD.
Bill
February 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
Wow. Nice job by the AJC with their picks for the teams from the southern regions of AAAAA boys to advance to the Final Four. Had Harrison and McEachern to advance and both lost in first round, as did that whole region. The usual ATL Metro dominance is only true for Milton, and that is not the usual, since they have only done it for the last 3 years and because they have a rare team of recruits. After the studs graduate, Boyd will probably leave when similar recruits don’t come in. Anyway, besides Milton and maybe Wheeler that they dominated, Who else is there who got it done in the AAAAA boys playoffs tonight? Walton lost. All of supposedly great Region 4 lost in the southern bracket to Region 2-AAAAA that never gets any respect, except maybe Newton. Lanston Hughes the 4 seed beat Harrison at Harrison. So much for the AJC rankings and Stephenson the 6 seed of the Region 2-AAAAA tournament beat AJC ranked Campbell too. Westlake that Newton beat 3 times also won at McEachern. Maybe Newton is pretty good, since they went 16-1 in that region and beat all those teams that swept Region 4 twice. Newton can play with anyone in the state but Milton and may get to Final Four again, and yet I have seen them play and they are doing it without any recruits and no one over 6′ 4. So what if no one can play with Milton and they win state again. They are basically a college team of recruits put together. Where is the fun in them winning it again? And let’s face it, none of those kids just happened to move to Milton without undue influence. Let’s get real. It’s not a character first program with Boyd running it. Winning with class is what it is all about.
bball72
February 26th, 2011
11:06 pm
@ Center – Please note while you are conspiring to cast light to MG, Milton, and other schools, your player, Jordan Price has some eligibility questions that need to be raised. He started at Columbia, left and went to a prep school in Tenn. and is now at SWD. Sounds real clean. Real clean.
Aj
February 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
Watch out for Langston Hughes.
rudbuck
February 26th, 2011
11:34 pm
The difference between on person picking the top 10 and the coaches top 10 poll.
After the 1st round in AAAAA, the number of teams still alive from the final AJC poll is four (4). Milton, Pt. Ridge, Wheeler and Norcross. The number of teams in the Coaches poll that have survived through the 1st round is eight (8). Milton, Wheeler, Norcross, Newton, Pt. Ridge, Jenkins, Tift Co., and Savannah. Always better to have a poll by commitee, especially the coaches, who really follow and study many of these teams.
CENTER
February 27th, 2011
1:49 am
@bball72 Ok. Like I stated earlier, numerous schools are doing it. I just made a comment regarding what I know for sure.
@MGHS By no means am I hating. Please be reminded I am very aware of what colleges are looking for in students. I’ve seen your guys at MGHS and very impressed(athletically). I have worked as a college scout. Trust and believe I know alllllllllllllll about your guys. I’ve given several of your guys a ride home on numerous occasions during AAU season. I’m making a simple point, bottom line, illegal activity is going on in numerous schools in the Metro Atlanta Area atheletic programs. It is what it is. Let’s move on, and good luck to your team. I will be at the game. C’ya there.
westlakeclassof10
February 27th, 2011
2:01 am
langston hughes ppl shut up about yall school yall lost to westlake who sucks so its nothing to watch out for yall just a bunch of westlake rejects anyways o yeah yall will never have a program as westlake fake A*****$********$ westlake building yall got took our J.V coach we fired and think yall the ish ill tell yeah
Just a question
February 27th, 2011
7:24 am
Why do the adults get so angry the truth is the truth. dropping kids name is BS Im not a SWD fan but GHSA wont look into the movement of kids from school to school it will hurt the bottom line. MONEY parents who move the kids for better looks by colleges its all just too much. when its all said and done I hope the kids are learning and able to move on to the next level regardless. BTW REFS stay out of the games we are here to see the Young Men/Women not you guys, let them play.
WheelerAlum
February 27th, 2011
7:43 am
I’m going with Wheeler!!!!
Real Talk
February 27th, 2011
8:45 am
@Bill
Ummm you do realize that some of those teams played each other hence some of the Metro ATL teams you refer to have to eliminated right? Sir when last has a 5A school outside of Metro ATL won the championship? Trust me, if any of your South GA school even make it to the Gwinnett Civic Center they will get ran out the gym by 20 plus points.
Real Talk
February 27th, 2011
8:45 am
had to be*
Three Straight
February 27th, 2011
10:19 am
Norcross boys and girls win.
MGHS
February 27th, 2011
11:21 am
To KILL the cheating scandal we have several players on the team whom parents are employed by Dekalb County Schools and we know those additional incentives that students of employee parents have so watch what you say. This could very well be the cases in other schools as well so I think the cheating allegations are a MUTE point.
Three Straight
February 27th, 2011
12:10 pm
here comes norcross
just a question
February 27th, 2011
12:44 pm
Some people will say anything when the open wound is poked. Call it what you will, sounds like you are saying because they’re child is in the DeKalb school system their parents have jobs. I’m just saying don’t incriminate anyone LOL. Good luck in 2nd rd to all that advanced
WHY??????
February 27th, 2011
1:17 pm
WHY does the discussion of cheating (playing out of district players) continuing to gain so much attention?
GHSA is not following up on these Allegations so why are people making such a big deal about nothing.
just a question, employees of DeKalb County Schools have the option to send their child/children to the school within the county of their choice which I am sure may be the case in other districts as well-meaning Milton(Fulton), Wheeler(Gwinnett), and other alleged schools people suggest cheating.
Although having a job is not such a bad thing either.
Just a question
February 27th, 2011
1:54 pm
I am sure that is the case just stirring the pot is all. you know what they say a hit dog will Hollar.
Zone3canE
February 27th, 2011
2:34 pm
No problem with Miller Grove, just the obvious cheaters like Milton, Wheeler, and Norcross who’s communities don’t produce enough talent to win let alone be competitve with out recruiting the best young brothers to come play for them. No problem with Surburban Atlanta Christian(G.A.C.) they are private and can recruit whoever, they have no district or attendance zone or area…SOUTH ATLANTA will win our 2nd title in 3 years.
go tigers
February 27th, 2011
4:52 pm
come on fayette county!! we need this state title we been so close every year lets bring it home this year
Sports Fan78745
February 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
I think the 5a girls is locked up by Norcross. Diamond De shields is way to talented and cant be stopped. The 5a Boys though is interesting. Milton obviously will make the finals and i think Norcross will be playing them in the finals. Norcross has a tough game vs Centennial this weekend but Norcross hasn’t lost at home in 6 years. And Norcross always beats Centennial. From there The devils have to play wheeler. This will be the most exciting game in the tournament. wheeler and Norcross have a heated rivalry and the devils want revenge from the loss to wheeler earlier in the season. Norcross will end up winning this game. They have been playing a lot differently than earlier in the season. Their starting to play team ball and they have a lot more chemistry together. The only question mark is their point guard. He is very talented but i dont no if he can handle the pressure in tight games. I see the devils however upsetting Milton and winning the title. The reason why is because they want revenge on the defeat last year in the state playoffs. We all no the call and the devils are highly motivated. If the devils are going to win they must get their bigs involved. and have solid play from their point guard.